Rain Forest Challenge is back in Goa from July 28 to August 3
Apart from the existing ‘4x4 Extreme’, two new categories have been introduced this year - ‘4x4 Modified’ and ‘4x4 Stock’;
Goa is gearing up for the 11th edition of the Rainforest Challenge (RFC) India, arguably the country’s toughest off-road motorsport event, scheduled from July 28 to August 3, 2025. Organised by Cougar Motorsport, this year’s event introduces two new categories—‘4X4 Modified’ and ‘4X4 Stock’ — alongside the traditional ‘4X4 Extreme’, making it more inclusive for India’s growing 4x4 community. Approximately 75 teams, including top off-roaders from clubs like Manabhum Offroaders Club of Arunachal (MOCA), Jeepers of Bangalore, Offbeat Automotives Bangalore, Torque Monsters Uttarakhand, Satara Offroaders and Sahyadri Offroaders will compete across these categories. Over 50 teams have already registered since entries opened in March.
What is the Rainforest Challenge?
RFC India, launched in 2014 as the Indian chapter of the globally renowned Rainforest Challenge of Malaysia, tests competitors’ off-road driving skills, vehicle recovery techniques, and mental resilience through gruelling Special Stages (SS). Luis J.A. Wee, founder of the Rainforest Challenge, will attend the event for the first time since the pandemic, expressing enthusiasm for the expanded format. Ashish Gupta, founder of Cougar Motorsport, highlighted the event’s evolution, offering a platform for both seasoned competitors and newcomers with vehicles ranging from custom-built machines to stock models like the Jeep Wrangler and Mahindra Thar.
Rainforest Challenge Goa schedule
The ‘4X4 Extreme’ category kicks off on July 28 with vehicle scrutiny and driver’s briefing. The participants will take part in 26 SS. The ‘4X4 Modified’ category’s vehicle scrutiny is on July 29 and will take part in 20 SS. The ‘4X4 Stock’ categories will undergo scrutiny on July 30 and will participate in 14 SS. Winners, determined by points accumulated across their category’s stages, will be crowned on August 3.
With its challenging terrain and international stature, RFC India 2025 promises to showcase emerging talent and fierce competition, solidifying its reputation as a premier off-road motorsport event.